The true meaning of blessing

Buddhas’ and Bodhisattvas’ blessings do not make all things go effortlessly, but enable us to face up to various circumstances more courageously and learn from them.

Q: Greetings Master! You often compare Buddhas’ and Bodhisattvas’ responsiveness to peoples’ prayers with a bell’s responsiveness to being struck. I was convinced and began three months ago to pray for the blessings of Ksitigarbha Bodhistattva- I want a good job; I’ve recited the name of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva hundreds of thousands of times, and sometimes even knelt while reciting. I did all this with the greatest sincerity, yet my wish has not been responded to or granted. What is the reason for this? Master, what is your opinion?

A: In addition to prayer, you still need to make every effort to look for a job and work hard to improve yourself. I do not mean that a good job will come to you so long as you pray. Your prayer can accelerate the working of your good karma, which is in accordance with the law of cause and effect. Try to calm down and experience the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas rather than desperately cling to your desires.

Q: Master, what do you think about following the crowd? What is the highest level of Buddhist practice?

A: The highest level is when a practitioner can use his or her compassion and wisdom in conjunction and achieve perfect bliss and wisdom.

Q: Master, keeping a calm mind is easier said than done. The more I want to keep calm, the more I feel agitated. What should I do Master?

A: You don’t actually believe you can do it, and that’s why you haven’t been successful. For example, if a patient does not believe that a prescription will work, how can he be cured? You should look within, observe your thoughts and learn what your state of mind is like when you experience attraction or repulsion. Only in this way can you be in accordance with the Dharma and understand what is meant by a calm mind.

Q: My humble greetings to you Master! How can I find a suitable group with virtuous Master and fellow practitioners so that I can practice in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings? I’m afraid that, because of heavy karmic obstructions, I might join the wrong group.

A: As a beginner, you can look for a widely acknowledged virtuous Master and upstanding Dharma study group. When it comes to Buddhist practice, it is never the case that a group does not suit a practitioner; rather it may be that a practitioner does not fit in with the group. The purpose of approaching a Dharma study group and joining in with the Master and fellow practitioners is to study Buddhism; you are not picking something according to your tastes. It’s like a patient desperately seeking a good doctor. A doctor who can save him from disease is a good one; the patient would not care about the doctor’s personality, physical appearance and manner of speaking.